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Ashley Hayes ReportingA couple who used fake money to pay for their downtown hotel room is now staying at the Salt Lake County jail.
27 year-old John Vasso and 19-year-old Jacqueline Anderson are charged for having counterfeit money and drugs. Vasso had two warrants out on him for driving with a suspended license.
Police arrested the couple at the Crystal Inn on 5th South. It turns out they weren't only spending counterfeit money, but making it too.
Police say counterfeiting is a growing problem that is often tied to drugs.
Lt Dave Cracroft, Salt Lake City Police Department: "We've been told by the Secret Service it's a problem lately. We do have a lot of ID theft, printing bad checks, credit card frauds, and unfortunately our drug users are doing the majority of that."
Investigators say the couple was printing $20 bills, just like the ones they used to pay for their stay.
In their room, police found fake bills, high quality color printers, linen paper and paper cutting tools.
Police say both Vasso and Anderson are long-time Utah residents. Police say that couple is known for moving around the valley.
As police were putting the couple in the patrol cars, Vasso made sure to flash what appears to be gang symbols at our cameras. Once inside the car, he thrashed around enough to bang his head.
Officers found more than the fake money and counterfeiting equipment. The couple also had 4-thousand dollars in legitimate cash. The man had a crack pipe, and the woman stashed meth in her bra.
Police say counterfeiting carries a felony charge.
Lt. Dave Cracroft, Salt Lake City Police Dept.: "Uncle Sam frowns upon people counterfeiting money."
Police say that couple is known for moving around the valley and that both had warrants out against them.
